7 phrases never to type in your work email

Don't make a fool out of yourself. Email is forever.Morris MacMatzen/Getty Images

When it comes to your work email, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Once you hit send, there's no going back. An inappropriate phrase could end up alienating colleagues, confusing clients, or ticking off your boss.

An email slip up could even get you fired.

"You know the saying 'Anything you say may be used against you in a court of law," Ryan Kahn, a career coach, founder of The Hired Group, and author of "Hired! The Guide for the Recent Grad" told Business Insider. "I feel that is a good way of also thinking about your emails before you hit send. Any negativity or inappropriate comments could be used as documented evidence against you down the road."

Here are some phrases that you should keep out of your inbox at all costs:

'I am so ******* mad'

"Using profanity in the workplace is never a good idea, and in an email message it can come across even harsher and even more unprofessional," Michael Kerr, an international business speaker and author of "The Humor Advantage" told Business Insider. "Using profanity conveys intellectual laziness or aggressiveness, and it suggests that you sent the email in a moment of anger without taking the time to rationally consider your response."

Kerr said that it's important to phrase all your emails carefully, to avoid sounding accusatory or aggressive.

Anything in caps lock

"This is email 101, but people still break this cardinal rule," Kerr said. "Putting any phrase in all caps is the equivalent of shouting."

'Later, dude'

Áine Cain/Business Insider

Some workplaces feature — and even encourage — a casual vibe.

That being said, it's best to err on the side of formality in your emails, especially if you're new to the organization or speaking with clients outside of your institution.

"Signing off with phrases like 'later dude' is totally cool when you're firing off a note to a friend or your son, but signing off a work email with something this casual can make you sound unprofessional, too cutesy, or overly familiar," Kerr said.

'Can you just make this problem go away?'

Áine Cain/Business Insider

Kerr said that it's also important to steer clear of vague language in emails. This includes unclear requests like "can you just make this problem go away?" and jargon-heavy, rambling notes.

"'Can you just make this problem go away?' Sure… I'll fire Bob — that is what you meant isn't it?" Kerr said. "Avoid asking vague questions that end up resulting in confusion or an endless back and forth email exchange. The more specific you can be with any questions or requests, the better."